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February
20, 2003
Little
Rock --
The
Arkansas Department of Health is reporting a final case
count on the West Nile Virus outbreak that occurred
during the summer and fall months in Arkansas.
The total case count for 2002 was 43 West Nile
Virus infections, including five deaths.
The Department had previously reported one death
from West Nile Virus and one possible death from WNV.
All pending investigations and laboratory testing
have now been completed.
The final West Nile Virus case count by county is
as follows:
| Union: |
7 |
(including
1 death) |
| Pulaski: |
8 |
|
| Jefferson: |
9 |
(including
1 death) |
| Arkansas: |
1 |
|
| Crittenden: |
4 |
|
| Ouachita: |
1 |
|
| Faulkner: |
1 |
(including
1 death) |
| Desha: |
1 |
|
| Bradley: |
3 |
|
| Drew: |
2 |
(including
1 death) |
| Ashley: |
2 |
|
| Lawrence: |
1 |
|
| Independence: |
1 |
(including
1 death) |
| Sebastian: |
1 |
|
| Clark: |
1 |
|
Dr.
Fay Boozman, director of the Arkansas Department of
Health, said, “We are saddened to have lost Arkansans
to the West Nile Virus. Our hearts go out to the
families and friends that are suffering because of the
outbreak. West
Nile Virus took a toll on the South in particular last
year. Prevention
is the key to fighting this disease outbreak.
We encourage all Arkansans to implement
prevention practices as the weather begins to warm.
West Nile Virus is something we all have to learn
to live with.”
Mosquitoes
can breed in any body of water, from small containers
such as tires and tin cans, to large bodies of water
like lakes or marshes. These breeding places create a variety of mosquito problems.
To help stop mosquitoes from breeding, Arkansans
should:
-
Dispose
of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or
similar water-holding containers.
-
Remove
all discarded tires on your property.
-
Drill
holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that
are kept outdoors.
-
Make
sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged
gutters in the spring and fall.
-
Turn
over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not
in use. Change the water in birdbaths.
-
Clean
vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.
-
Clean
and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and
hot tubs.
-
Drain
water from pool covers.
-
Use
landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that
collects on your property.
The
Health Department will again be monitoring for the virus
in 2003. The
Department will issue alerts as necessary.
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